Getting around Quebec City without a car works well for exploring Old Québec on foot, with RTC buses, the Québec City–Lévis ferry and rail connections for trips farther afield. Québec station is about a 17-minute walk from Manoir Sainte Genevieve.
- Walking: Old Québec’s central sights are reachable on foot.
- Public transport: RTC runs Métrobus high-frequency routes, local leBus routes, weekday-rush-hour eXpress routes and late-night Couche-tard service on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Ferry: The Québec City–Lévis crossing carries pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
- Rail: VIA Rail notes shuttle connections between Sainte-Foy and Gare du Palais.
Walking around Old Québec
Walking is a practical way to get around central Old Québec, where several landmarks are within a few minutes of one another. The Governors' Garden is about a 1-minute walk from the hotel, while Lieu historique national des Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis is about 3 minutes away on foot.
For a longer stroll, Théâtre du Petit Champlain is about an 11-minute walk from Manoir Sainte. Maison historique Chevalier is about 9 minutes away, and Parc Montmorency and Louis-Hébert are each about a 7-minute walk away. The Musée de la place Royale is about 8 minutes away on foot, with Place de Paris about 10 minutes away.
These distances make it easy to link several central stops in one walking outing. A walking guide to Old Québec can help you plan a route through the historic district.
Using RTC buses
RTC buses connect neighbourhoods and provide several types of service, from frequent routes to late-night buses. The Réseau de transport de la Capitale operates the network: Métrobus routes run frequently, leBus serves local routes, eXpress routes operate during weekday rush hours, and Couche-tard provides late-night service on Fridays and Saturdays.
RTC says transfers between routes are not guaranteed, so allow a short buffer when planning a connection. Its network map shows routes, nearby stops, next arrival times, points of sale, information centres, park-and-ride lots and terminals.
Fares and schedules can change. Check the official site before you go, and use the RTC map to plan your route and check service details.
Taking the Québec–Lévis ferry
The Québec–Lévis ferry carries passengers between Québec City and Lévis, with space for pedestrians, cyclists and several types of vehicles. The operator’s fare for a foot passenger is $4.25 for ages 16–64, $2.95 for ages 6–15 and $3.60 for passengers aged 65 and over; children aged 0–5 travel free.
A monthly pass from RTC or the Société de transport de Lévis also covers the ferry at no extra charge. For a vehicle up to and including 6.4 metres long, the fare for a vehicle and driver aged 16–64 is $10.20. The operator accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard and debit, and tickets are non-refundable.
The ferry is accessible. Amenities include toilets, a vending machine, baby-changing tables and café service. The schedule gives the last departure from Lévis as 2:00 a.m. and from Québec as 2:20 a.m.; check the operator’s current full timetable for other departures and current fares.
Rail stations and onward connections
Gare du Palais is the central rail station, and VIA Rail provides shuttle connections with Sainte-Foy station. From Manoir Sainte, Québec station is about a 17-minute walk or about a 4-minute drive.
VIA Rail’s schedule page notes shuttles between Sainte-Foy and Gare du Palais in both directions, as well as between Sainte-Foy station and the airport. The page also carries a notice about local service between Québec City, Sainte-Foy and Charny, so consult the current schedule for your travel date.
If you are arriving by air, Quebec Jean Lesage International Airport is about 43 minutes by car from Manoir Sainte. The airport-to-Old-Québec guide covers that arrival connection.
When a car may be useful
A car can help with trips beyond the central area, including an excursion to Montmorency Falls from Old Québec, which is covered in this guide to visiting Montmorency Falls. The ferry accepts cars, vans, scooters, motorcycles and trailers, as well as pedestrians and bicycles.
If you plan to take a vehicle on the ferry, the fare for a vehicle and driver aged 16–64 applies to vehicles up to and including 6.4 metres long. Rates are subject to change without prior notice, so check the ferry operator’s current fare and timetable details before travelling.
FAQs
Can you get around Old Québec on foot?
Yes. Several central landmarks, including the Governors' Garden, Parc Montmorency and Musée de la place Royale, are within walking distance of one another.
What kinds of buses does RTC operate?
RTC operates frequent Métrobus routes, local leBus routes, weekday-rush-hour eXpress routes and Friday and Saturday late-night Couche-tard service.
Can you take a bicycle on the Québec–Lévis ferry?
Yes. Bicycles are permitted on the ferry.
Does VIA Rail connect Gare du Palais with Sainte-Foy?
VIA Rail provides a shuttle between Gare du Palais and Sainte-Foy station in both directions. Check its current schedule for your travel date.